Rants Network NFL Divisional Round Picks

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

Spread: KC -8.5 Total: 41.5

Edward Raus: The Texans head to Kansas City after a dominant defensive performance against the Chargers. Rookie QB C.J. Stroud has been excellent, but the Texans’ offense has struggled down the stretch. Kansas City, the AFC’s top seed, comes off a bye with Andy Reid’s legendary 21-4 post-bye record. Despite a shaky 15-2 season with narrow wins, the Chiefs have a top-10 defense. Houston’s fun run likely ends here in what should be a low-scoring game.

Prediction: Kansas City wins and the under hits

Elliott Kams: While the Texans made quick work of Edward’s lowly Chargers (sorry, bro, my team blew it too), this feels like a younger brother trying to pick a fight with their much older sibling. Patrick Mahomes simply doesn’t lose in the Divisional Round. He’s played 18 playoff games, and his numbers should terrify Houston: 41 TDs to 8 INTs in those games. When it comes to the Divisional Round, he’s much like LaVar Ball: “Never lost.” I expect a cold, one-sided game with KC taking an early lead and never looking back.

Prediction: Kansas City wins 25-15, covers the spread and the under hits

Josh Stanhill: The Texans head to Kansas City after a lackluster ending to Herbert’s season. Sophomore QB and star WR Nico Collins head into Arrowhead to face the Chiefs. The AFC’s top seed comes off a bye, with Andy Reid leaning on Spagnuolo’s blitz-heavy defense. Houston’s season ends as it did last year—losing to the No. 1 seed in the Divisional Round.

Prediction: Kansas City wins and the under hits

Matt Selz: The Texans are, rightfully, feeling themselves after an historic defensive showing last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. Their defense really came to play and carried them to the 21-point win. They’ll need that kind of showing once more to take down the 2-time defending Super Bowl champs. Sure, the Chiefs haven’t been dominant as a 15-2 team, but they’re still 15-1 when their starters play. A top-10 defense and a fully rested, and returning, offensive lineup should be enough to have the Chiefs moving onto the AFC Championship game for a 7th straight time. Oh yeah, Kansas City also hasn’t had a turnover in 7 consecutive games for another kicker.

Prediction: Kansas City wins and the over hits

Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions

Spread:  DET -9.5 Total: 55.5

Edward Raus: Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are riding high after upsetting the Bucs. However, the Lions’ top-tier offense, led by Jahmyr Gibbs, will thrive at home against Washington’s 30th-ranked rushing defense. Detroit’s balanced attack and home-field advantage should be too much for the Commanders to handle.

Prediction: Detroit wins and covers the spread

Elliott Kams: Grab your popcorn—this game is going to be the best of the weekend. After an exciting performance from Jayden Daniels, he will most likely follow the same path as C.J. Stroud: win a playoff game only to lose to the No. 1 seed. Jared Goff has been playing at an MVP-caliber level all year, and that continues at home in Detroit Rock City. Jahmyr Gibbs gets going early and often, and if “Knuckles,” a.k.a. David Montgomery, is cleared to play, look out, Washington.

Prediction: Detroit wins 38-30, Washington covers and the over hits

Josh Stanhill: Rookie Jayden Daniels looks like he should’ve been the No. 1 pick, and the Commanders feel more confident than they did when they put so much faith in RGIII. However, the Lions have an amazing run game, and with the possibility of having “Knuckles” back alongside “Sonic,” it will be more than enough to challenge the Commanders’ run defense from every angle.

Prediction: Detroit wins but Washington covers

Matt Selz: For the first time in 20 years, or since Jayden Daniels was 5 years old, Washington won an NFL playoff game. Ending that streak and the play of Daniels throughout the season has the Commanders as the feel good story of the playoffs. However, they aren’t the only one as everyone seems to be enjoying the Lions resurgence and being NFC favorites for the Super Bowl. In a classic narrative match-up, how am I splitting hairs? Well, pretty easily. Detroit has home field advantage at a loud stadium and has the offense to cause Washington’s lackluster defense problems all night. The real hope for Washington is to get Daniels involved in the rushing attack because Detroit allowed the 4th most rushing yards to QBs in the NFL.

Prediction: Detroit wins but Washington covers

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles

Spread:  PHI -6.5 Total: 44.5

Edward Raus: The Rams face the Eagles after surprising the Vikings, but Philadelphia is a different beast. The Eagles’ top-ranked rushing attack, led by Saquon Barkley, should dominate against a weak Rams run defense. With Cooper Kupp struggling and Puka Nacua banged up, the Rams’ offense faces a tough challenge against Philly’s elite pass defense.

Prediction: Philadelphia wins and covers the spread

Elliott Kams: Bring your coat because we’ve got football weather in Philly. After watching the Packers lose to themselves, the Eagles are clearly reading too much into this game. Matthew Stafford looked rejuvenated against Minnesota, and this Rams defense is young and hungry. I expect a cold slugfest, with LA relying on Kyren Williams and Stafford to make enough plays to ice the game.

Prediction: Los Angeles wins 23-20, covers the spread and the under hits

Josh Stanhill: The Rams and McVay sent their former offensive coordinator, Kevin O’Connell, and his team packing, ensuring Campbell won’t see them next week. The Eagles’ defense has been the best pass defense over the past six games. If they can stop Saquon in the second half, they’ll have a chance. There’s always one upset in the Divisional Round, and this will be the one.

Prediction: Los Angeles wins

Matt Selz: When these two teams met several weeks ago, it was a general demolishing in primetime by the Eagles. So what will be different this time? I mean the Eagles are still rolling and are at home but narratives have changed. Firstly, the Los Angeles wild fires have caused a bonding with the Rams that was evident last week. Secondly, the defenses have changed since that meeting. The Rams are coming off a 9-sack game versus Minnesota while the Eagles have allowed nearly 3 sacks a game (in the bottom third of the league). The injury to Nakobe Dean is a big loss for the Eagles as well. This game has the hallmarks of a team that should win versus a team playing with house money who’s got a real upset shot. With the questions surrounding the Eagles’ offense the last few weeks meeting the impressiveness of the Rams front 7, we’re in for a great matchup.

Prediction: Los Angeles wins and the under hits

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills

Spread:  BAL -1.5 Total: 51.5

Edward Raus: The Ravens and Bills bring star power and explosive offenses into the weekend’s marquee matchup. Baltimore’s run-first attack, paired with Lamar Jackson’s passing, faces a solid but inconsistent Bills defense. Buffalo’s Josh Allen will need to exploit the Ravens’ leaky secondary in what should be a thrilling, back-and-forth battle.

Prediction: Buffalo wins

Elliott Kams: This game feels like The Hulk vs. The Juggernaut as Buffalo braces for an unforgettable night. The difference in this game will come down to both defenses. Can Buffalo’s defense stop the Ravens’ dynamic run game, or will it be a repeat of Week 4? Josh Allen’s potential MVP hopes could be on the line with this game (I know it’s a regular season award, but you can’t tell me voters won’t be watching this). At the end of the day, you have to go with your gut—and my gut says a wagon is about to get circled.

Prediction: Buffalo wins and the over hits!

Josh Stanhill: The Ravens and Bills bring what will probably be the best game of the playoffs, with both Jackson and Allen not only leading the MVP race but also competing against each other since being drafted in 2018. Look out—because the Henry train is coming, Buffalo! He’s determined to win his first Super Bowl, and he won’t stop now!

Prediction: Baltimore wins and covers the spread

Matt Selz: The re-match we’ve all been waiting for all season, or at least since the Bills started to roll. Top MVP candidates, elite running games, though in different ways, and hard-hitting defenses should make this game perhaps one of the tightest game of the weekend. Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Derrick Henry are clearly the draws for this one but don’t be surprised if it’s the passing attacks that take center stage given that we’re all expecting the run. Sure, the first meeting was an easy Ravens win at 35-10 but the Bills have gotten far better since that September meeting in Baltimore. We haven’t even touched on the forecast of 21 and snowing in Buffalo on Sunday, compared to 68 and clear back in September. Whichever MVP candidate shows up better will be the team to win on Sunday.

Prediction: Buffalo wins and the under hits

Final Thoughts on NFL Divisional Round Picks

The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs always brings drama, surprises, and standout performances, and this year’s slate of games is no exception. From veteran quarterbacks to rising stars, each matchup offers unique storylines and betting opportunities. Our NFL Divisional Round picks are designed to highlight the key factors that will decide each game and provide valuable insights for fans and bettors alike.

As the weekend unfolds, expect thrilling moments and unexpected twists as teams fight to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive. Who do you think will punch their ticket to the conference championships? Share your thoughts and predictions as we gear up for one of the most exciting weekends in football!